Sorry I've been MIA...I've been swamped at work and have finally gotten a moment to slow down.
Two weekends ago I finished my 11th half marathon.
The weather was perfect for a wog (that’s what I’m calling it now).
It’s walking +
jogging=wogging
The Springfield ½ isn’t a
large race, it’s actually quiet small. They finally had over 2,000 people sign
up for this year’s race. I will say that next year, please have more porta
potties. There was such a long line at the beginning that I knew there was no
way we would get in to use them before the race started.
But I should of just waited then crossed the start line because at the
start of the race we were hanging with the 2:30 group for about 2 miles. Then
the 1 lone porta potty was sitting there are mile 2 and I had to potty. So
knowing there wasn’t many other stops along the route I should stop now. Almost
10 mins later….we were able to use the facilities and get back into the race.
Sadly, my motivation to catch back up with the 2:30 was not gonna
happen. I was in no place to even try it. I hadn’t trained or had done any sort
of running since the Little Rock Marathon a month before. So what did I do…we
just enjoyed the beautiful sunny and took our time.
Which I’m glad we did, because I was not even close to prepared for this
race. I didn’t bring anything with me so around mile 7, I was STARVING!!!
I can only speak for self when I say with both pregnancy, when I get
hungry I have about a 5 mins window before I need to get something into my
system. Well that definitely
wasn’t going to be happening so luckily the next few water stops had some
Gatorade so I was able to get some sugar into my body.
Note to self, for the RnR Nashville at the end of the month…I’m bringing
snacks :)
Yesterday I received a few
emails with pics from the weekend’s race and we got on the discussion at what
point do you consider yourself a runner?
(I’m the squirrel in the snow leopard compression socks and sweat band
on the right)
Many people tend to think that I must be fast because I’ve done, as they
put it “so many races”. In
compared to others I know I have not done that many. I think people believe
that because I have my medals displayed in my office.
So far I’ve completed:
5K=a lot I
haven’t actually kept track of them my last count was 10
10K= 1
1/2
marathon= 11 (I’ll be completing # 12 later this month)
Full
Marathon= 4
In all actuality, I’m not fast at all…not even close. 2:20 is my fastest
half and 5:30 for a full marathon.
I’m telling myself after this baby…I’m actually going to train and put
out a little effort just to see what I’m capable of.
I think that is what is keeping me from calling myself a “runner” is that I
don’t train, I just finish races.
Since I’ve started “running” I’ve learned that there are no stereotypes
in runners. Runners come in all
shapes in sizes. You see a lean in
shape person in front of you before the race and tell yourself “man, I bet they’re
fast” and then you’re passing them along the route. On the other hand, you can
come across someone who you may feel is larger than you and they leave you in
their dust. We cannot stereotype
runners, they will amaze you every time.
At what point do you consider yourself a runner?
